a folk/Americana song about world hunger
folk music
childrens music
Story behind the song
Have been reading the book, "When Helping Hurts," about hunger and ways to help. Haven't finished the book yet (and I don't have very many answers yet, either . . .) but this song is a result.
Lyrics
THIS IS A QUESTION
Intro:
I WONDER WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE FAR ACROSS THE SEA
TO BE HUNGRY, COLD AND FRIGHTENED, TO WISH I COULD BE FREE
Chorus:
THIS IS A QUESTION I’VE GOT TO ASK
WE NEED AN ANSWER THAT’LL HELP US KNOW OUR TASK
Verse 1:
I’VE GROWN UP IN AMERICA, IN WEALTH AND FOOLISH WASTE
I’VE NEVER KNOWN WHAT HUNGER IS, I’VE NEVER FELT ITS PAIN
THEY SAID, “EAT YOUR BROCCOLI; THEY’RE STARVING IN MYANMAR,”
I REALLY OUGHT TO BE GLAD FOR ALL THE THINGS WE HAVE HERE
I DON’T SEE HOW IF I EAT ALL MY PEAS,
THAT’S GOING TO HELP SOMEBODY FAR ACROSS THE SEA
To Chorus
Verse 2:
THEY’RE HUNGRY ‘CAUSE OF FAMINE FROM DROUGHT AND PESTS AND WAR
THEY’RE HUNGRY ‘CAUSE THEY’RE RUNNING TO THE COUNTRY NEXT DOOR
I DON’T KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO HERE IN THE WEST;
WILL GIVING FOOD SOLVE THEIR GOVERNMENT UNREST?
To Chorus
Verse 3:
“AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?” AND “WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?”
THOSE ARE THE QUESTIONS WE READ IN THE BIBLE
Modified Chorus:
THEY ARE QUESTIONS I’VE GOT TO ASK
WE NEED SOME ANSWERS THAT’LL HELP US KNOW OUR TASK
Ending:
I WONDER WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE FAR ACROSS THE SEA
TO BE HUNGRY, COLD AND FRIGHTENED, TO WISH I COULD BE FREE
DIANE HURST © 2011